2025 Peru Machu Picchu Tour 6 Days

Your Machu Picchu vacation begins with an arrival at Cusco´s airport. An Inca Trail Machu representative awaits you in front of the Cusco´s airport arrival hall holding a sheet with your name so please leave the hall. Then he/she transfers you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to give you some time to acclimatize for the rest of your Cusco Peru Machu Picchu tour. So you can relax, have some coca tea (a natural tea of coca leaves and the best tool against altitude sickness!) or just walk around the city´s center and visit some Colonial churches and see many Incan walls.

The Cusco City is the oldest continuously inhabited city on this continent. The city attracts people from all around the world, who arrive not only to visit a unique destination but also to experience an antique culture that differs a lot from the occidental 21st century´s way of life. One could easily spend a week just in and around this site. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and it is not necessary to go far to see other major Inca ruins! This is a city steeped in history, traditions and legends!

Every year, Cusco is visited by thousands of travelers, who come to delve into its noble, but tragic past. Our Machu Picchu tour is a perfect base for optional explorations around the city´s surroundings as well as for a range of outdoor activities.

In the morning, your Tour Guide picks you up from your hotel and takes you onto the tour of Cusco City starting with a visit of the Cathedral located on the Main Square of Cusco. Its construction started in 1559 and it took 100 years to finish!! The Cathedral can pride on the biggest depository of Colonial art of the city.  A vault containing remains of the famous Incan historian - Garcilaso de la Vega is just past the entrance. 

Then, you visit Qoricancha - the golden temple of the Incas that was once the most significant temple of the Incan Empire! The temple was dedicated to the god of the Sun.

After that, we continue our Cusco Peru Machu Picchu tour by bus outside of the city visiting the huge Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman. There are some magnificent Inca´s walls made up of huge and impressive stones weighing up to 130 tons. The stones fit together with an absolute peferction! Three of these walls run parallel to over 360 m. There are 21 bastions in the fortress. 

 
Later on, you continue to a nearby Incan labyrinth and a ceremonial site - Qenqo. After our Tour Guide has explained us about this enigmatic site, we board our bus to continue to the red fortress of Puca Pucara. Our last stop is in Tambomachay - a water temple of the Incas. 
  
Finally, you are taken back to our hotel in Cusco to relax. Rest of the day free time to explore the city.

Today, we cover the distance of Cusco to Machu Picchu, but before we do so, our Tour Guide takes us into the Sacred Valley of the Incas that was once an important source of food for the Incas. The Sacred Valley is a lush agricultural region that keeps supplying the Cusco City with lots of its production. We visit the majestic ruins of Pisaq as well as its current famous handicraft market. Then, we stop in Urubamba, considered to be the capital of the valley, to have a buffet lunch offering Andean cuisine. Afterwards, we continue to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo where we enjoy a guided tour of its Incan fortress. The town and fortress of Ollantaytambo are strategically situated overlooking the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. Then, we board a train taking us to the town of Aguas Calientes (just below Machu Picchu), a perfect alternative on how to reach Machu Picchu when the Inca Trail hike is fully booked. There, we overnight in a comfortable hotel.

The long awaited highlight of all our Machu Picchu travel packages awaits you today. So we got up early and after breakfast, we took a bus to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Then, your tour guide shows you around the Inca city and explains about its history and the purpose of each place during a guided tour of approximately 2 and a half hours. Afterwards, you have the opportunity to climb for about 45 minutes to the Huayna Picchu (or Machu Picchu Mountain, a 1.5 hour climb), a peak that dominates the ancient city and serves to take some panoramic pictures of if this way. If you want to climb up to these mountains, it is extra cost.

When you have enjoyed the place enough, you can take a bus back to Aguas Calientes or descend slowly and take more panoramic pictures of the surrounding breathtaking nature on the way (recommended).

Aguas Calientes, you can visit one of the many very good restaurants that offer traditional Andean as well as international cuisine. To finish our tour, we always use an afternoon train to take passengers back to Ollantaytambo (alternatively to Poroy). From there, we will travel by tourist vehicle back to your hotel in Cusco.

The highly anticipated highlight of our Cusco travel packages awaits you today. We start early, Driving 3 hours to the first stop, where we have a breakfast and after a hearty breakfast, we set off on a scenic drive to the trailhead of Rainbow Mountain, nestled in the breathtaking Andes.

Upon arrival, our experienced guide will lead you on a hike through the stunning Andean landscapes. The trail offers diverse scenery, from lush green valleys to rugged mountain terrains, with each step bringing you closer to the vibrant, multi-colored slopes of Rainbow Mountain.

As we ascend, your guide will share fascinating insights about the geological and cultural significance of this natural wonder. The hike to the summit takes approximately 2 hours, depending on your pace, and along the way, you'll have plenty of opportunities to stop, rest, and capture the incredible views.

Upon reaching the summit, situated at an altitude of 5,200 meters (17,060 feet), you will be greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of Rainbow Mountain. The striking colors created by mineral deposits form a surreal landscape that is perfect for photography and simply taking in the beauty of nature.

After spending time at the summit, taking photos, and enjoying the panoramic views, we will begin our descent. The hike back down allows you to take in any sights you might have missed on the way up and further appreciate the diverse Andean scenery.

Back at the trailhead, we will have a well-deserved lunch, giving you time to relax and reflect on the morning's adventure. Following lunch, we embark on the return journey to Cusco.

Transfer to the Cusco´s airport. End of the tour, or alternatively, a good time to extend your trip!

Please note In all of our Machu Picchu travel packages a return flight to Lima can be arranged upon request.

• Welcome by our Representative upon arrival;
• Transfer from/to the Cusco´s airport at arrival and departure;
• Accommodation: 3* hotel (4 nights), hotel Machu Picchu (1 night);
• All entrance fees according to the itinerary of City tour and Sacred Valley
• Entry ticket to Rainbow Mountain;
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
• Professional bilingual tour guides as per the itinerary;
• Meals: 5x breakfast, 1x buffet lunch (during the Sacred Valley Tour), Lunch Rainbow Mountain;
• Tourist transportation during all tours and local transfers;
• A tourist train round trip to Machu Picchu;
• A shuttle bus to Machu Picchu round trip.

• Pre & post tour accommodation,
• International nor domestic flights,
• Meals not mentioned, 
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu mountain (U$80),
• Travel insurance (It's not mandatory, but recommended in case you have an emergency during your trip in Peru or need to cancel at the last minute);
• Tips and baggage portage (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru, however, it is not obligatory),
• Other extras are not mentioned.

Meals budget: Please allow USD 50 - 80 for meals not included.
Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "Solo Traveler" option for all of our Machu Picchu travel packages, you receive your own single room for all overnights.
Local flights: There is no local flight included in the cost of the tour.

• Passport
• Original and copies
• Travel insurance(+ copies for a case of lost),
• Flight tickets,
• Cash in USD or credit cards,
• Our service voucher (sent by us to you),
• Entry visa and a proof of vaccination (if applicable),
• Day pack (to carry your personal items during daily travels),
• Rain gear (a rain-jacket and a waterproof trousers or a rain poncho - this can be purchased in Cusco), 
• Resistible footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended,
• Sandals (for a higher comfort while at a campsite),
• Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights during camping),
• Hat or a cap (to protect you against the Sun, rain as well as cold),
• Sun cream or sun block,
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body, Insect repellent– recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria has been reported during this trip!),
• Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions),
• Flashlight/headlamp + batteries,
• Handkerchiefs and toilet paper,
• Small towel and toiletries,
• Sufficient reserve of underwear,
• Swimsuit (to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes),
• Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.)

Please note: we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taken own snack applies only for customers who like a specific snack that might not be in our menu.

Here is everything you need to know about Machu Picchu.

Where is located Machu Picchu?

"Machu Picchu" is located in the south of Peru, belongs to the department of Cusco, "Machu Picchu" is located 112.5 kilometers northeast of the city of Cusco, with a height of 2350 meters above sea level.

RELATED: WHERE IS MACHU PICCHU LOCATED

Altitudes in Peru Machu Picchu Tour

• "Cusco" at 3,399 m.a.s.l.
• "Pisaq" at 2,974 m.a.s.l.
• "Ollantaytambo" at 2,972 m.a.s.l.
• "Chinchero" at 3,762 m.a.s.l.
• "Maras" at 3,300 m.a.s.l.
• "Moray" at 3,450 m.a.s.l.
• "Tipon" at 3,560 m.a.s.l.
• "Lucre Lagoon or Huacarpay" at 3,200 m.a.s.l.
• "Aguas Calientes" at 2,040 m.a.s.l.
• "Machu Picchu" at 2,430 m.a.s.l.

What does "Machu Picchu" mean?

"Machu Picchu" means 'Old Mountain' in the indigenous Quechua language. "Machu Picchu", the lost city of the Incas, is an unprecedented historical, natural and architectural complex, a tourist destination that has earned the category of inescapable.

Is it possible to visit "Machu Picchu" on my own?

The archaeological places that make up the City Tour around Cusco are the following: Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambo Machay, and Puka Pukara. These ruins are very close, a tour usually charge between 20 to 25 soles per person for tourism companies, but there are ways to get there without spending so much money. For example, Sacsayhuaman is located very close, for a backpacker who wants to walk the 7km on foot and not spend a lot of money is recommended to leave from the main square.

After the visit to Sacsayhuaman, you can visit the ruins of Qenqo which is located 1.5 km away, it is very close, you can go following the road. After, about 5km following the road is the next archaeological site that is Tambo Machay, where the Inca bathed. About the entrance costs to the ruins, it is mandatory to have that tourist ticket that gives you access to 16 archeological sites (Machu Picchu is not included). Visit "Machu Picchu" by your own is very easy. The first thing you will have to do "and the most important thing" is to book your Machu Picchu Tickets, and the train tickets "round trip".

Once in Cusco, you will have to get up very early and go to Pavitos Street, here you will find minibuses and minivans that will take you to the town of Ollantaytambo for around $4. When you arrive in Ollantaytambo, you can take a "moto-taxi", it's very fun and the easiest way to get to the Ollantaytambo station, this will cost between $ 0.70 and US $ 1.50. Once at the Ollantaytambo station, look for your train and approach it.

The tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the most beautiful short train routes in the world, so enjoy it. The train will take you to the city of Aguas Calientes, at the foot of the Machu Picchu Mountain. Arriving at Aguas Calientes, you can buy the bus tickets to Machu Picchu, next to the train station. These tickets can not be reserved in advance, bought online, or by third parties, ou can only buy your ticket in person and with your passport. Before letting you enter Machu Picchu you will be asked to present a copy of your Machu Picchu ticket along with your original valid Passport, if you do not present these documents you will be prevented from entering Machu Picchu, and everything will have been in vain; so do not forget that your documents must be valid at the moment of entering Machu Picchu.

These following hotels are used to accommodate you during your tour:

Accommodation in Cusco:

Illa Hotel Cuzco

• Address: Calle Carmen Alto 166 Barrio de San Blas, Cuzco, Perú
• Tel: (+51) 084 253 396

Prisma Hotel Cusco

• Address: Calle Matara N° 394 Cusco
• Tel: (+51) 974 791 168

For small groups, Illa Hotel is a great choice. It's known for its cozy atmosphere, personalized service and convenient location. For larger groups, Hotel Prisma stands out. It can accommodate many guests, has large facilities and is experienced in handling group bookings. Both hotels offer comfortable stays and are designed to meet your needs.

Accommodation in Machu Picchu:

Casa de Luz Hotel

• Address: Av. Hermanos Ayar 703 Machupicchu
• Tel: (+51) 084 211047

During the tour, we request our hotels to get ready your rooms for time of your arrival, especially, if you arrive prior to standard check-in time. Nevertheless, this is not always possible. In this case, you just store your luggage in that hotel storage room and you can explore around your new destination in between.

Please note! If you have purchased pre or post trip accommodation, you might be asked to change your room during your trip.